The morning light snuck into this narrow passageway between apartment buildings; a common element in Chicago’s residential areas. Usually one goes down a few steps to get from one place to another and finishes by walking up a few more steps. When walking past such entraces it’s important to pay attention so you don’t accidently mis-step into one of these stairways. My eyes caught the colors and textures in this small scene including the moss on the bricks adding a contrast to the neutral tones. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

These images were taken of a blank chalkboard that was about to be used to write or drawing our ideas of “hope” during last week’s first Sunday in the Advent season. My eyes led my mind to focus on the board’s reflections made from sunlight coming through our colored window panes. A blank canvas (chalk board) actually was full of colors and energy and HOPE.

The Christkindlmarket in Chicago’s Daley Plaza is a must visit this time of year; it gets larger each year. Last year I couldn’t resist buying some of these nesting dolls from Russian; picking some of varying sizes from large to teensy. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Many holiday toys and decor from Germany and other European countries. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Food is a must-have at the Cristkindlmarket too! The smells of fresh roasted nuts are irresistible. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Love the beard! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Collectors always stop for a cider or cocoa in order to get a Cristkindlmarket no mug. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Here the old world and new world come together. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

I got the hot cocoa and my hubby got the warm cider; each a special treat in the souvenir mugs for this year. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Choices, wonderful choices! Today I learned the scratchy Steiff animals I still have from my childhood are made of mohair. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

This view from Maggie Daley’s Playground, of Chicago’s Millennium Park and Lake Michigan shows the diversity in architectural design found in this people diverse city. CLICK the image above for great information from Chicago’s Artchitectual to Foundation. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

The old and the new stand together. Here Cloud Gate, aka the Bean, is surrounded by many building’s of downtown Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Old designs in turn-of-the-century buildings are more frequently decorated with murals done by artists of today. Recently a campaign made sure that such murals weren’t removed “accidentally; they are not tagging or graffiti. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

The Pritzker Pavillion is host to free concerts throughout the year, in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The design itself is worthy of a visit. It is also viewable in the first image of this post; on the far left; it encompasses both permanent seats as well as lawn seating under the open architecture. Copyrightela Breitberg

It seems that design was more a priority in the olden days of yore; even for a pumping station. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Not to be overlooked are view encompassing closer looks at the juxtaposition of architecture and their unique designs; accompanied by mandatory safety features such as a firescape. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Views of design include interiors. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

One of the magnificent carvings on Michigan Avenue’s bridge posts across the Chicago River next to the original Fort Dearborn location. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Like this:

The dogs and the bike worked out in unison along Lake Michigan’s edge in Lincoln Park, Chicago. They were unimpeded, leashed together and moving quickly. I was impressed. Couldn’t figure out who was enjoying the Lakefront more. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

No excuses with this couple. A few moments prior they were resting on a nearby park bench, deep in conversation, enjoying each other and their outing. May we all have this drive as we age; all positive motion. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Sneaking a look out of a retail window showed a dumpster that seemed to me to be filled with some worthwhile stuffs. Too bad it wasn’t accessible and that I downsized my life a few years ago. Can’t help but believe someone would have appreciated the chance to salvage the remnants. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Not uncommon site in a busy, congested, urban area; this is Chicago. Streets are equally abundant with bicycle traffic. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

And if you don’t own a bicycle, you can rent a Divy bike to do your errands or sightsee. They are everywhere! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Of course, a city is incomplete without the pigeon! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Chicago is rich, or ripe, with politicians and their boastings. I did not expect to see a 2020 presidential loud-speaker float riding down the street for you-know-who. It was not a parade day at all. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg